Wonder in the Woods
By Meher Marfatia
Published by Rupa & Co. and
Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foundation
Illustrations by Avanti Mehta
Price: Rs. 95/-

‘Wonder in the Woods’ is an engaging story about little Madhvi’s efforts to save her favourite mango tree from the woodcutter’s axe – a simple tale that manages to convey so much. Along the way she meets the farmer’s wife, a field of bajra crop, a dirty pond that is choked with plastic bags and wrappers, a tangled net, rusted scissors and a lemon tree. Taking their help, she manages to stop the woodcutter from cutting the tree. This story presents an enduring act of environmental action – that each one of us can make a difference. It will enchant and teach children that they don’t have to wait till they grow up to bring about change. The beautifully detailed, informative illustrations will appeal not only to younger children, but also to older ones. A book that is sure to be an inspiration to children everywhere.



The Call of the Snake By Rahul Alvares
Published by Other India Press,
Price: Rs 110/-
Review by Lakshmy Raman

Born and brought up in Goa, young author and snake lover Rahul Alvares has always had a keen interest in all things natural, particularly reptiles.

Written for kids as well as adults, The Call of the Snake is a funny and interesting collection of Rahul’s real-life encounters with snakes – from escaping pythons to handling king cobras to attempts to breed snakes. Through these anecdotes Rahul explains the ecological importance of these reptiles and shows you how terribly snakes have suffered due to our fears, superstitions and religious beliefs. As

Maneka Gandhi writes in her foreword, “After you’ve read ‘The Call of the Snake’, you’ll see snakes differently. This book will definitely help you to understand snakes better and dispel unwarranted fears.”

Tails of Dilli – Animal Stories for Children
By Bill Harvey
Illustrated by Mugdha Sethi
Review by Lakshmy Raman

Join Aseem, a puppy and Kaalia, a piglet on their adventures discovering the wild animals of Dilli (Delhi). Part of a dog pack living in the south of Dilli, Aseem, much against the instructions of his mother, befriends Kaalia, the sooar. After a brief separation when Aseem leaves along with his family to find a cooler home, the friends meet again to share more escapades and adventures. Find out how Kaalia joins the dog pack and together with a jungli billi share encounters with banderlog (monkeys) snakes, mongooses, kites and kingfishers. This interesting book with its beautiful colour illustrations is a fun way to discover the fascinating world
of animals.